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Cowboys 'Misunderstood' George Pickens Faces Critical Test After Blockbuster Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 8:56 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens will have a couple of things on his to-do list in 2025 under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

One is to play well enough to warrant a big contract next offseason, and the other is to shift the narrative around his fiery personality.

Called "misunderstood" by some, Pickens has seen his frustrations get the better of him during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he still put up solid numbers with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation.

But now he has Dak Prescott, and a running mate in CeeDee Lamb, two players of high caliber he didn't have in Pittsburgh, and the big question surrounding George is whether or not he can make it work in Dallas. ... whether or not he can pass the critical tests that are about to come.

"Pickens is a tremendous talent, yet it remains to be seen if he'll be any more than that," CBS Sports writes. "He'll be the No. 2 wide receiver in Dallas, a deep-ball wideout as CeeDee Lamb carves up the middle of a defense -- so the opportunities will be there.

"Dak Prescott is the best quarterback Pickens has ever played with in the NFL and knows how to get the ball downfield, so there will be little excuse for Pickens if he underperforms. For Dallas, trading for Pickens was worth taking the chance on. Can the production match his talent?"

With quarterbacks of lesser talent than Dak, Pickens still put up totals of 801, 1,140, and 900 yards in his three seasons, along with at least 50 receptions and three touchdowns.

Can George keep himself in check when the going gets tough? Because, as we know, playing for the Cowboys is different gravy, and we don't have to look too far to see how criticism of a player can get out of hand quickly, with Prescott enduring more than his fair share.

So the spotlight will be on Pickens in Dallas.

He wants a new contract, whether that be with the Cowboys or elsewhere, and to get that, he must produce on the field. Pickens has the quarterback and a receiver to help shift coverage to allow him advantageous matchups - he just has to bring it all together.

But can he?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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